Introduction
I never planned to become a polyglot. In fact, growing up in Nepal, I didn’t even know speaking multiple languages could be a personal achievement. But that changed the day I left home for the first time. Traveling opened up my world — and with it, my voice. Learning languages through travel wasn’t just something I experienced; it became a way of life. In this post, I want to share how my journeys helped me become confident in speaking multiple languages, and how they might help you too.
From Fear to Fluency: How Travel Gave Me Purpose
When I first moved to Germany as an au pair, I knew almost no German. I was scared to speak, afraid of being wrong. But travel didn’t give me the option to stay quiet. I had to navigate everyday situations — buying groceries, using public transport, talking to my host family. These real-life encounters became my classroom.
The first few conversations were awkward, filled with mistakes. But with each failed attempt came a lesson. I realized that confidence doesn’t come from knowing every word — it comes from trying, failing, and trying again.
How I Gained Confidence in English
I had learned English at school in Nepal, but I never really used it at home or in everyday life. So, when I arrived in Germany — my first time traveling abroad — I quickly realized I needed to rely on a language people could understand. English became that middle ground.
Using English in real-life situations, where I had no other choice, was what truly improved my fluency and confidence. Over time, I became so comfortable with it that I started giving English lessons in Germany, Austria, and France — the three countries I’ve lived in. That would have been unimaginable to my younger self.
Each Country, A New Language
After Germany, I spent time in Austria, where I prepared for and passed the C1 German exam. I later picked up Italian basics while traveling in the south, and improved my English naturally over years of travel and cultural immersion. Each place added something new — not just words, but gestures, expressions, and cultural context.
I didn’t sit down with a grammar book in each country. Instead, I listened, observed, and adapted. That’s the beauty of language through travel — it’s alive, constantly shaped by the people around you.
How Travel Boosted My Language Confidence
(If you’re considering structured language programs while traveling, the Goethe-Institut offers some excellent options that support immersive learning.)
Immersion makes things real: I wasn’t just memorizing phrases. I was living them.
Mistakes became memories: Being corrected in real situations made the language stick better than any textbook.
Culture gives meaning: Understanding why people say things a certain way helped me go beyond literal translations.
People made the difference: Conversations with locals, even short ones, gave me the courage to keep going.
My Tips: How to Learn Languages Through Travel
(For a more in-depth look at how I learned German, check out my post on how I learned German — from au pair uncertainty to C1 certification.)
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
You’ll get things wrong — a lot. That’s normal. In fact, the more mistakes you make, the more you learn.
2. Stay Curious, Not Perfect
Focus on understanding and connecting, not speaking perfectly. Real communication matters more than flawless grammar.
3. Use Every Opportunity
Ask for directions, order food, join local events. Every interaction is practice.
4. Listen First
Let your ears get used to the rhythm of the language. This helps your brain absorb it more naturally.
5. Find Your Style
You don’t have to follow a fixed method. I learn best by listening and reflecting. Find what works for you, especially outside of traditional classes.
6. Set Small, Realistic Goals
Learn how to introduce yourself. Ask how someone’s day was. Celebrate those small wins.
Traveling Helped Me Find My Passion
It wasn’t just about German — I even learned French fluently within a few months. Now, it almost feels like if I want to learn a language, I can. That confidence didn’t come overnight — it grew through trial, error, and deep cultural immersion. In many ways, language learning has taught me how to be patient with myself. It’s a lifelong journey, not a race.
Traveling also helped me find my passion for languages. Without even realizing it, I became a polyglot — a beautiful coincidence, not a carefully crafted plan. I never set a goal to become one; it just happened as I embraced the challenges of living in new cultures. Traveling alone to completely different countries with unfamiliar languages and customs is a challenge in itself. You can expect a lot of failures along the way. But that’s part of the growth. Learning a new language while being detached from your own roots makes you stronger and more open — not just as a language learner, but as a person.
Final Thoughts
Travel helped me discover my love for languages — something I didn’t even know I had growing up. It gave me the courage to speak, the exposure to grow, and the freedom to learn in my own way. If you’re dreaming of becoming fluent, maybe all you need is a one-way ticket and the willingness to start speaking.
Join the Conversation!
Have you learned a language while traveling? Or are you hoping to? Share your experience or ask your questions in the comments below — I’d love to hear your story!